National Apprenticeships week- Digital marketing apprentices

David Alloway

Digital Marketing apprentice for Families, Children and Learning.

How did you get into the apprenticeship?

My route to an apprenticeship was something of an unexpected one. 2017 brought around changes to the way apprenticeships were set up, allowing myself, a 35 year old with diplomas to sign up.

Before working for Brighton & Hove City Council, I was an admin temp for 18 months, while bringing an end to five years as a self-employed graphic designer which I begun in 2012.

Looking back…

Since coming into my role during October, I have now got used to new ways of working compared to my old job. I have flexibility in how I work and when I do in the week, similar to how it was when I was self-employed, just as long as I am meeting my targets.

Working with the council I have a daily minimum of hours instead of having fixed start and finish times this help me to deal with travel challenges when they occur or support situations like unexpectedly having collecting my children from school. Things like this have helped me to feel that I can focus on my work with no nail biting, as long as I am on the same page with my peers at all times.

Working at Brighton and Hove I have felt that my insights and opinions are genuinely sought after and required. My experience as a freelancer has supported me greatly with what I have been learning as a digital marketer. Communicating as a designer is more than familiar to me, but the planning of marketing strategies both large and small are another world entirely.

It can better than you think…

Being an apprentice is about learning something new while being energised and enthusiastic for something that could further your career and build you a future. Customer service and admin was never my thing, but being a creative person and having an appreciation for various projects most definitely was.

Having the opportunity to earn money whilst also gaining new skills and learning has been a huge blessing. Also to be able to work alongside supportive colleagues is excellent. I receive great support from the other apprentices and tutors at college too.

Whether an apprenticeship would be something for you is definitely a decision only you can make. But with the wide range of job tittles now available anyone could consider committing to one. It is simply a matter of having the right opportunity arriving when you are looking for it.

Taking the leap…

I was asked whilst working here not too long ago whether an apprenticeship is something I would want my children to do. To that the answer was yes. Because Not only are apprenticeships becoming popular increasingly accessible, they are widening the field when it comes to careers. You can fast-track your career choice by learning on the job as well off it. Apprenticeships are a way of allowing you to jump in at the deep end straight away and doing it with the right support behind you. Landing the right apprenticeship will have you excited for both the job and the training that comes with it.

If an apprenticeship is something that might consider, here are some pointers which may be useful.

• Look for fully detailed job descriptions. Make sure that most of your questions have been answered here so you feel comfortable applying for a role. 
• Research the employer after seeing the advertisement. This will help you form any questions you may have for the employer before making an application and if you get an interview. 
• If you land an apprenticeship… ENJOY IT! 

Harriet Doherty

Digital Marketing apprentice for Communications

How did you get into the apprenticeship?

I have recently completed my A levels at Varndean college I studied law, photography and public services. At the end of it I knew I didn’t want to go to University but I also didn’t want to jump straight into full time employment, I wanted to boost my education even further but still earn some money. I thought the best way to do this would be to join an apprenticeship.

To begin with I didn’t realise digital marketing was an option as an apprenticeship. But after having researched the role I realised it was something I wanted to do.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?

A few weeks into my apprenticeship I was asked to put together a news article that was then later published in The Argus. Seeing the printed version of my story and showing it to my friends and family was a real achievement for me.

What are the key benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

To start with you’re able to earn a wage whilst learning new skills; this in my opinion is a huge benefit. But you’re also able to kick start a career whilst being given the help and skills that you need.

The difference with working in a job to working as an apprentice is that as an apprentice you’re starting a career that you can build upon and set up a future for yourself.

Would you recommend apprenticeships to others?

Yes, I would recommend an apprenticeship to others, especially if they are unsure what to do next. Then at the end of it if it wasn’t for you there is still the option of going to University or taking your new skills into another job.

I’m often asked do you wish you went straight into an apprenticeship after finishing school. My answer for that is no, because if I had I wouldn’t have gained the skills from previous experiences and I also wouldn’t have this exact opportunity that I do now.

National Apprenticeships week- Debt Collector apprentice

Alessandro Stagnaro
Debt Collection Apprentice

 

How did you get into the apprenticeship?

Since moving to the U.K, I have been interested in finding a way to get qualifications to enrich my curriculum. I soon realised that the best path to reach this aim was to join an apprenticeship. After finding one that best matched with my background and the work I've previously done, I applied for the job vacancy offered from BHCC for the Debt Collection apprentice position.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?
 

As an apprentice you have the opportunity to receive a huge and substantial amount of notions due to the courses you are carrying on. It may sound like something taken for granted but not every job offers the chance to be educated before being involved in work tasks.

What are the key benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

As an apprentice you’re a student who intends to further your knowledge and you are able to do this because you are given enough time to focus on your studies outside of work. You are in the position to ask any relevant job’s matters. Although some exams are involved and these can be challenging they are helping you to follow a path that will allow your knowledge to become stronger.

 Would you recommend apprenticeships to others?

I would definitely recommend any kind of apprenticeship to anyone that wants to grow their career to the best it could be. I don't know of a better way to undertake a professional path then by starting with an apprenticeship.

National Apprenticeships week- Parking Officer apprentices

Blogs from our Parking Officer Apprentices

Did you know you can gain an apprenticeship as a Parking Officer? Have a read from some of our Parking Officer apprentices to find out how they got into this rob role and more.

Thiago Pereira
Parking Officer

How did you get into the apprenticeship?

I wanted to build a career, working for the local authority seemed like a great path to take however, this was to be a severe change to my career path. I found the apprenticeship opportunity advertised on the council’s website and decided to  apply. I was subsequently successful. I have since secured a permanent position in the same role, which I love.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?

Working with lots and lots of wonderful people, with a plethora of experience in so many areas. It is great to learn from their experience.

What are the key benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

Leaning the role and earning a wage at the same time.

 
Would you recommend apprenticeships to others?  

Yes absolutely!!!

Charles Keynton
Parking Officer

How did you get into the apprenticeship?

I heard about the apprenticeship from searching online, through job sites. At first I dismissed it, as I knew very little about apprenticeships, but something kept urging me to look back over it. From there I was able to glean more information, searching the web to learn more details. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?

The most rewarding part for me is a tough question, mainly because there are so many rewarding parts! The apprenticeship has afforded me an incredible opportunity to get into a new career, grow as person in my new job role, I’ve met some really cool people in my department and helping people engage with the community through our services is another rewarding aspect, I really couldn't pick just one! 

What are the key benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

The key benefit for me was that I was able to get into a new career. I was a Music BA graduate from Chichester University, gradually becoming a failed musician in the work place after I left. I worked in an express supermarket to pay the bills and was growing increasingly tired of it. I’m not saying give up on your dreams, but depending on your circumstances, sometimes you have to do something else and I have no regrets. Due to a lack of admin experience at the time, a lot of employers weren’t keen on me in those kinds of roles so an apprenticeship was like an open door to me.

Would you recommend apprenticeships to others?

I would definitely recommend apprenticeships to others. It can be a great way into a new career, gaining experience, new skills and working with talented professionals.

Ade Ayodeji
Parking Officer

The apprenticeship program has been extremely good to me. Helping me in so many ways. I am extremely happy I took up the opportunity to get on the program.

How did you get into the apprenticeship?

My Partner actually got into the program first doing a level 2 NVQ Business Administration and working at the same time also, she talked about the opportunities and the experience one could gain. I always thought there was an age restriction in doing the program but that ended a while back now.

I started researching on jobs and programs I could go on and came across the Parking Services Apprenticeship on the council website. The training and description given about the job was always something I wanted to do and something I was kind of familiar with.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?

Been able to get back to study and gain a qualification while working, is one of the most rewarding aspects for me. Learning without not a lot of pressure (learning on the job)

What are the key benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

•         Getting a recognised qualification that could even help in job progression.
•         Still getting paid while working
•         Having time off to do the work and assignments
•          Not been pressured and given enough time to learn the new role

 Would you recommend apprenticeships to others?

Absolutely, I have already recommended the program to most of my friends that are not happy with jobs they are in at the moment. It gives one an opportunity to get into the work environment and see if you will like the role. You get paid for it and also get a qualification at the same time. This is a win, win for everyone.

National Apprenticeships week- Planning apprentice

Caitlin Deller 

Planning Apprentice 

How did you get into the apprenticeship?

I had recently completed my Level 2 qualification in child care at Varndean College; I knew that I wanted to do an Apprenticeship as my sister has just finished completing one and had really benefitted from it. I was mostly searching on the Gov ‘Find and Apprenticeship’ page - this website helped me find apprenticeships from all over, including Brighton and Hove City Council. When I spotted these within the council, this immediately sparked my interest in as I would have never previously thought of apprenticeships based within my local council. This led me onto searching the Brighton and Hove City Council’s job page in which I found a Planning Apprentice position. The applications will vary on the type of apprenticeship you are applying for and the area of workplace, however my current apprenticeship required the usual information such as previous experience and jobs, qualifications, etc. and also required reading the person specification and explaining how you meet those certain criteria’s.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?

When I first saw the job title and role, I hadn’t actually had any knowledge of planning or how the council’s planning department worked. Having the opportunity to learn something completely new was not only a refreshing change from learning the basics at school and college, but it provided me with insight into roles that play a huge part of our towns and cities which younger people may not be aware of. Within my role I have also taken part in apprenticeship activities such as presenting to secondary schools about apprenticeships and what they entail. This was a very rewarding part of my time I’ve spent as an apprentice and helped towards students who may not know what they want to do in later life. Within my past 1 and a half year spent as an apprentice within the council’s planning department, I have quickly developed and gained a vast amount of knowledge. I have worked within the planning admin teams, all the way through to carrying out work at assistant planning officer level which includes writing up reports for applications. I am pleased to have been given this opportunity to develop and increase my knowledge within both a busy work-place and college.

What are the key benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

Doing an apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity to learn an entirely new thing which you may have never come across before. You gain practical experience and will be putting this into place at work, all whilst studying for the subject at a college for a set day a week or completing assignments essential within that apprenticeship (this depends on the type of apprenticeship you are undertaking). You will also be paid for the work you are doing which is a great bonus, and at the end of the apprenticeship you will gain a qualification which can then be used to further develop your career.

Would you recommend apprenticeships to others?

I would definitely recommend apprenticeships to anyone who wants to learn something new, gain physical experience within a workplace and who would like the benefit of being paid for their work. Luckily I was aware of apprenticeships via my previous secondary school and through my sister’s experience previously being as apprentice herself. I would highly suggest having a look online to see ones that may interest you!

National Apprenticeships week

It's National Apprenticeships week! 

The time has come again where we can celebrate the work that apprentices do and highlight the benefits of becoming one.

During the week employers and apprentices from across England will come together to celebrate the success of apprenticeships whilst encouraging even more people to choose apprenticeships as a pathway to a great career.

Here at Brighton and Hove city council there are a total of over 100 current apprentices, we will be posting stories about why they chose this career route and to try and encourage others to also think about it. As well as this we will also be sharing content on social media with the hashtag #workforme.

Take a look at the video below to hear how becoming an apprentice has impacted some people in a positive way.

Jednie’s story 

Before my apprenticeship I had been a Supervisor for over 4 years in children’s entertainment and there was no sign of progression available. The position was demanding and challenging, which I loved. Unfortunately I did not feel valued and it was difficult to have my voice and opinions heard.

A colleague I used to work with had applied for an apprenticeship before and had done so well he was hired and was looking at further promotion within his team. He is also an Apprenticeship Ambassador and had told me about the opportunities it opens up for people. At the time I barely paid attention and had the same thought that most people do, that it wasn’t something that could help me and wasn’t something I wanted to do..

Eventually I summoned up the courage to change my everyday norm and I applied for a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship within the Procurement team in Brighton and Hove City Council. It was the first one on the list and I thought I’d apply and see what happened.

When I met the team I immediately felt like I was wanted and greeted into the procurement family. I’d had a vague idea of what the job entailed but didn’t know the scope of what it covered. I spent most of the first couple of months completely taken aback by the importance of the contracts that the team were dealing with. Thankfully they were patient and helped me with any questions I had. My manager (and his manager) have been super supportive and challenged me and my skills along the way. He gave me lots of projects that were my responsibility and I was able to grow confident in my abilities as I gained the experience.

The Apprenticeship itself is quite holistic. I have found that by just working I have completed parts of my units and all I need to do is remember to take some screenshots and show my understanding of what I have just done. You have an assessor who helps you pin point what you need to work on and you are generally given plenty of time to work on it. Most importantly you get to gain the experience and create a rapport as you do an apprenticeship. This is great for applying for permanent positions in the future.

I am now lucky enough to say that I have succeeded in securing a job as an (acting)Procurement Advisor within the City Services and Infrastructure category of Corporate Procurement and I did this in less than 9 months of starting the apprenticeship. This has been the best step I could have taken for myself and my family (the extra money will help too). I have the ability to be home every day for dinner with the kids and I get to spend weekends with them too, something I haven’t been able to do without a lot of hassle in the last 5 years.

As an Apprenticeship Ambassador I will be helping others out there, who were like me, stuck in a rut and thinking that they have no options. It has been a great way to meet other people in the same situation, made me realise I’m not on this journey alone and that there are plenty of people ranging from younger to older who are doing apprenticeships now. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to everyone out there no matter what age or skill level, there is something for you!

The only regret I have now is not applying for an apprenticeship years ago, who knows where I could have been by now.